ENG 103/201: Composition

Librarians can help you and your students achieve the information literacy goals of the English Composition program. The following tips and resources are provided to enhance the collaboration between UNCW instructors teaching English Composition courses and librarians at UNCW Library. Any questions or suggestions can be sent to the Information Literacy Librarian.

We recommend all ENG 103 & 201 instructors import the new Canvas modules into their course.

The newly redesigned modules are intended to replace a traditional, "one-shot" information literacy session. Instead, these modules allow you as the instructor to place this content in context, exactly where students need it most. These modules are housed in Canvas Commons and use the tutorial software, LibWizard, to provide hands-on engagement with library resources and real-time feedback on knowledge checks. In addition to updated content, there are two new components: a module on synthesizing information and using it ethically, and a pre- and post-research reflection on information behaviors and attitudes.

This content will take your students just over an hour and a half to complete in total, with each module taking 30 minutes or less.

You can find more information on the tutorials by viewing the 'readme' file for instructors in Canvas Commons.

Import the ENG 103/201 Module from the Canvas Commons.

• If the link does not work, search for "ENG 103/201 modules - UNCW Library."
• This is a module that you can utilize in your online ENG 103/201 course. You will be able to preview the module before importing it into your course and will also be able to modify/customize it after importing (help importing).

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In addition, we also recommend:

Scheduling a consultation with Brittany O'Neill, Information Literacy Librarian.

•  We can work together onbest practices for integrating information literacy into your course. Partnering up allows for more meaningful, relevant learning experiences that are customized to you, your, course, and your students. Examples of what this might look like for your class:
  • Providing videos, tutorials, course guides, or other content for Canvas
  • Suggesting readings, handouts, or in-class activities
  • Co-developing an assignment or lesson plan
  • Collaborating on scaffolding information literacy across your course
• Because instructional material takes time to create, please schedule a consultation as early as possible. Capacity is limited and requests made on short notice may not be able to be fulfilled.
• If you have a research assignment for your class (or have a draft you’d like to finish designing together!), please follow up your appointment request by sharing it with Brittany O’Neill at oneillb@uncw.edu to prepare for your meeting.

If desired, scheduling an information literacy instruction session.

• These can be face-to-face or online! When scheduling, here are some best practices to consider to make the session successful:
  • Complete the scheduling form as early in the semester (or before!) as possible to help ensure that your first choice date is accommodated. There is only one librarian for English Composition, so capacity is limited and some requests may not be able to be fulfilled.
  • Request that the session be held close to the time that students will be working on their research project (essay, paper, etc.). If the information is not immediately relevant, students may not pay close attention.
  • Be sure that students fully understand the assignment prior to the instruction session.
  • Be sure that students have selected at least a broad topic prior to the instruction session.
  • Prepare students for the session by assigning them the relevant Canvas module prior to the instruction session. Instruction sessions work best when students have the relevant background knowledge and can use class time for active learning. For example, if you'd like to focus on evaluating sources, we recommend students complete Module 2 on evaluating information before the session. If you're unsure what students should complete, ask the Information Literacy Librarian!
  • Explain to the students why they are having the instruction session.
• You may hear your students tell you that they have "already been to the library for a session." Librarians hear that a lot, too! It might be helpful to explain to students that each session is different and that every session builds upon the one before, much in the same way that ENG 101 students will also take ENG 201. Students cannot possibly learn all information literacy skills in one session. The content designed for First Year Seminar was designed differently from the content for ENG 101, as was the content for ENG 103/201. More information about the information literacy program at UNCW Library. 

If you have questions about how to adapt this content to your course, please contact Brittany O'Neill, Information Literacy Librarian.